WE DON'T JUST DO PLAYS AND WORKSHOPS!

We have now been around for almost 20 years and, if there is one thing that has taught us, it is you cannot have just one string (or even two) to your bow!
You are all familiar with the Plays we perform and the Drama Workshops we create.
BUT, there is much, much more.
Our principal actress is Karen Brooks and, she does not just create, write, produce, choreograph, and compose the music for all our plays, she also uses her Drama Qualifications to full advantage in directing the productions.
Many of the actors we have employed over the years have benefited from her skills, and we have testimonials to prove it.
Karen is now pleased to offer DRAMA TUITION.
This can be on a "one to one" basis or for groups. She will shortly be embarking on furthering this exciting prospect with independent schools and dance and drama academies.
AND, it does not stop there!
Karen has written and had published a highly valued book for young children. You will have seen it on our website "Billy Beware!". It includes an audio CD recorded by Karen.
As a natural progression, we now offer "STORYTELLING".
We know how popular this is in schools and, with budgetary restraints, it is far less costly than a live theatre production.
I suggest you check out Karen on our website under "ACTORS". You will also find her prominent in some of the live action photos and video. I am sure you will be suitably impressed.
I will leave you with some pictures from "Billy Beware!".
Until soon.... Albert....

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

My oh my! How education has changed, and so much of it for the better.
Many of you of my age or, perhaps even a good deal younger, will recall the school days when we sat a a geography lesson, barely listening, whilst the teacher droned on about "dikes and polders".
Of course, now the kids are taken on a trip to Holland to see them for themselves. Well, the lucky ones whose school funds haven't completely bled dry.
So what is the point you are making? you ask.
Simply this: if the school can't take you to all these exciting places, let us bring them to you.
We create INTERACTIVE DRAMA WORKSHOPS on just about anything.
We have a huge portfolio of ones we have had commissioned, and new ones are being added all the time.
 I just love a challenge. Give me a clue, and our team will produce a Drama Workshop to fit in with your curriculum needs.
Some ideas are posted on our website, but these are by no means all we have to offer, and they are growing all the time.
With education now being so much "hands on", we are here to add another dimension.
Kids love to act and, with us they get every opportunity to develop their skills, whilst adding to their knowledge.
Remember also, so much is gained from social intercourse.
Next time you have a project, whether it be easy, complex or nigh on impossible, remember "AESOP'S TOURING THEATRE COMPANY" has almost 20 years experience under its belt.
Until the next time, take a look at these youngsters cooking, learning the Green Cross Code, acting and dancing.
Albert.....

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH

On this day 19 years ago "AESOP'S TOURING THEATRE COMPANY" made its début at a school in Ealing.
Back then, we had just the one play "The Story of Aesop's Fables", but what a start for a Theatre in Education Company that has survived the trials and tribulations of the early part of this century.
In the early 2000's education was high on the list of Government priorities, and we had no reason to suppose it would ever change.
How wrong we were!
Today, education is way down the scale of importance, and this despite all the assurances of "ring fencing".
One has only to look at the results and league tables to see where the UK now stands.
But, despite every impediment placed before us, A.T.T.C. has flourished.
We now offer TEN SCRIPTED PLAYS and TWENTY DRAMA WORKSHOPS. And, if that is not enough, we will create DRAMA WORKSHOPS to meet every need.
We even survived "the beast from the east", even though it did mean a day of re-scheduling as a couple of schools were closed.
Perhaps soon this, or the next Government, will recognise the future of our country is in the hands of the young, and education will be moved from the back seat to the fore.
One can only live in hope!
I leave you with a couple of pictures from our first production.

Albert...

Time for scarves and wooly hats!

Isn't it amazing how a freezing cold day is described as "bright" by every dog walker you meet. I guess it's a euphemism for "I'm freezing my what's-its off"!
Anyway, the one thing we all seem to care about when the thermometer goes blue is the elderly and how
will they cope?
I was thinking about this only this morning, as I tried to keep my balance over the exposed ice laden tree roots. And I was reminded of the times we have performed our plays in care homes - such appreciative audiences, who make you feel welcome, and tell you how you have brightened their day.
My thoughts then turned to the sick, and I vividly recalled the looks on the faces of the children when we gave a charity performance of "The Gingerbread Man" at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital - so satisfying to see.
We fear the cold, not the icy roads, nor the threat of snow, but the "molly codling" Local Authorities and their obsession with Health and Safety.
One winter we drove from Woking to Birmingham for a 9.30 performance, only to find the City had decided to close the school, as the playground could be dangerous. Really, we managed the trip without sliding once!
Talking of which, I remember the fun we had at my school making slides that became dusted with snow, and waiting for an unsuspecting teacher to step on them.
I've rambled on enough and I'm starving, so off for some porridge the proper Scottish way, with honey and a "wee dram".
Until the next time, I leave you with these chillers......Albert.....

Did your pets enjoy the fireworks?

I would love to say thank God that's all over but, of course, it isn't. Bonfire night, as we once knew it, now stretches from the beginning to the middle of November with little if any warning, unless you have caring, considerate neighbours.
Now I accept I am always beefing on about something or other, but this one really does get to me. Our government intrudes into most aspects of our lives; tells us what to eat, how much we can drink, half heartedly attempts to stop us smoking, and pretends to be concerned with our health and safety, whilst at the same time cutting back on the health service, policing and education.
But where in all this is the regulation on fireworks. Oh, I believe you have to be 18, or pretend to be, to buy them. Thereafter, do what you like with them.
I say let us have proper effective controls. Only sell to licensed buyers, and have similarly licensed displays on approved days that are advertised well in advance.
It may not suit everyone, but I bet our cats, dogs, rabbits and all the other pets will vote in favour and have a good night's sleep as depicted below.
That's me for now.
Albert ...

Glad to be indoors!

Just back from walking Bonnie, the Shih Tsu, and definitely not a day for shorts and a tee shirt!
A touch above freezing at 8 a.m.,
Today, I am expecting many enquiries for National Book Week, Anti-bullying Week, Child Safety Week and a whole host of other special weeks. Oh, did I forget Halloween?
Did you know Tesco have devoted two aisles, special promotional staff and three days to this crazy American non event!!!
Needless to say, we will be celebrating with some of our scary character actors.
1st November is the UK start of Christmas, terminating around the end of December, or January if you are in pantomime.
So you have only two months to organise for the biggest retail event of the year. We are all going away. Can't be doing with all the doings!
Have you noticed England closes after New Year's Day and re-opens about mid January?
Anyway, enough of the moaning and groaning and back to work.
Just before I go, see if you can spot which is my dog and which is the one from "Billy Beware!"
Until next time,
Albert xxx

October in the rain

I don't know what it is like where you are, but it is pouring it down in Woking.
Last time I told you about our two new actors, Alia and Fergus, well I can now show them to you.
Of course, some of you may have already met them as we are very much up and running with the new school year.
We have mailed nearly 11,000 schools and enquiries and bookings are pouring in.
Sadly, education does not seem to figure highly in government circles, hence the ever decreasing school budgets and, of course, drama is always amongst the first to suffer.
Do remember our motto "THE KIDS ALWAYS COME FIRST". So, if you are feeling the strain, do please ask us for a special deal. We will always endeavour to oblige, even if it does mean going hungry that day!
Enough doom and gloom, take a look at our two new guys, and I will see you next time.
Best wishes,
Albert

Alia

Fergus